Let’s be real, we’ve all been there – scrolling through Instagram and coming across an awesome Reel that you just HAVE to save. Whether it’s a hilarious comedy skit, an artistic dance routine, or a drool-worthy food video, some Reels are simply too good not to keep.
But how do you actually download those amazing 15-30 second videos from Instagram? The platform doesn’t exactly make it easy. That’s where this guide comes in!
I’m going to walk you through the smoothest way to instagram download reels quickly and hassle-free. We’ll cover:
- Why you’d want to download Reels in the first place
- The ninja trick for getting Reel video URLs
- Using a free online Reels downloader (the easy way!)
- Tips for downloading Reels on different devices
- And more!
By the end, you’ll be a total pro at saving those precious Instagram Reels forever. Let’s dive in!
Why Download Instagram Reels?
First off, why even bother downloading Reels? Well, there are actually several good reasons:
- Save Your Favorite Videos: We all have those Reels that are just too good – you’ll want to rewatch them over and over. Downloading lets you keep the good stuff!
- Share With Friends Offline: Not everyone is on Instagram. If you want to share a hilarious or cool Reel IRL, you’ll need the video file.
- Backup Your Own Reels: For content creators, downloading your own Reels acts as a backup in case anything ever happens to them on Instagram.
- Repost & Edit: Maybe you want to repost and remix an awesome Reel by adding your own intro or commentary. You’ll need that video file!
- Get Around the Algorithm: We all know the Instagram algorithm can be finicky. If your favorite Reeler’s content gets buried, you may need to resort to downloading.
The point is, there are plenty of valid reasons to want to download Instagram Reels to your device! Let’s look at how to actually do it.
Grabbing Those Reel URLs (The Ninja Trick)
To download any Instagram video content, the first step is getting the URL for that specific video, photo, or Reel. For regular posts, you can usually just copy the link from the Instagram web viewer.
But Reels? It’s not so straightforward since there’s no separate web link for individual Reels. Here’s the little-known workaround:
- Open Instagram and go to the Reel you want to download.
- Tap the three little dot menu icon to open up the “Share” options.
- Select the “Copy Link” option.
- This will copy a weird looking URL to your clipboard that’s the unique link for THAT specific Reel!
That right there is the golden ticket – the URL you’ll need for actually downloading the Reel in the next step.
Using a Free Reels Downloader (Easiest Method)
Now that you’ve got the Reel link, what’s the easiest way to get that video downloaded to your device? Using a free online downloader tool!
There are a few different options out there, but one of the simplest and most trusted is FastDl. Here’s how their Instagram Reels downloader works:
- Head to fastdl.app and click the “Reels Downloader” button
- Paste the Instagram Reel URL you copied earlier into the input box
- Hit the green “Download” button
- Wait a few seconds while it processes…
- The Reel video will download right to your device in MP4 format!
Really, it’s that straightforward. Three clicks and the Reel is yours to keep forever in high-quality video. No extra apps, signups or fees required.
This online tool does all the heavy lifting in the background to bypass Instagram’s restrictions and let you save that Reel hassle-free.
Other Download Methods and Tips
While using a free web downloader is probably the easiest universal method, here are a few other potential ways to download Instagram Reels:
On iPhone/iOS
There are certain apps and browser extensions that claim to let you download Reels on iPhone. Performance varies, but it’s worth exploring if you prefer a mobile solution.
On Android
For Android users, a similar app option exists to download Reels directly on your phone. Alternatively, Android is a bit more open so you may be able to save Reels through your mobile browser using inspect element or other tricks.
Via PC
If you primarily use Instagram from a computer, there are a couple ways to download Reels from your desktop or laptop:
- Using browser extensions or plug-ins designed for the task
- Pasting the Reel URL into a web downloader (like the FastDl method)
- Messing with browser developer tools to inspect and grab the video source
For Creators
Content creators may want a way to download their OWN Instagram Reels for backup or repurposing. Most of these methods will work for that as well. Some creators also use third-party scheduling apps that can help download and manage their Reels.
So in summary, while the online downloader is likely the easiest avenue, there are quite a few potential ways to download Instagram Reels depending on your device, needs and technical skills!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, downloading Instagram Reels doesn’t have to be a huge hassle. As long as you can snag that special Reel URL, you’ve got options:
| Method | Difficulty | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Online Downloader | Easy | All |
| Mobile App | Medium | iOS/Android |
| Browser Extension | Medium | Desktop |
| Manual Download | Hard | Desktop/Android |
Most people will probably stick to the simple online downloaders for a seamless, no-hassle experience across any device. Just copy that link, paste it in, and bam – Reel downloaded in crisp quality!
So go ahead – start downloading your favorite Instagram Reels and beauty tutorials, comedy skits, cooking clips, and more. Build yourself a little stockpile of endlessly re-watchable video entertainment. That’s the beauty of the modern web!